A long layover in Sanday is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Sanday Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 30 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Important Details Before You Go
Before heading into Sanday, take a moment to confirm the basics:
- Visa status: Entry rules for United Kingdom vary by nationality. If you’re unsure, check with your airline or the immigration desk before leaving the secure area.
- Getting there: Sanday is roughly 30 minutes from NDY via Taxi. Plan to be back at the airport at least 2 hours before your next departure.
- Money: You’ll be spending in GBP. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Getting from NDY to Sanday
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | ~30 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~50 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxi is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Storing Your Luggage at Sanday Airport
Dedicated luggage storage at NDY may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Sanday’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Sanday, budget roughly $45 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $23 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $12 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Things to Do During Your Layover
If you head into Sanday, here are two things worth checking out:
Start Point Lighthouse is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Lopness Beach & Wreck of the Irene is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Perfect for a short walk when you need fresh air after a long flight.
If you’d rather stay inside NDY — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Sanday Airport Terminal Relaxation
- Runway Views & Aircraft Spotting
Where to Eat
- In the city: The Ayre Hotel Bar & Restaurant and Sanday Community Cafe are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Sanday.
- At the airport: Self-Service Hot Drinks Station and Airport Vending Machine will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at NDY for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Sanday or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at NDY, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Sanday count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave NDY. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.